Utrecht, 2 October 2023 - Kampeer & Caravan Jaarbeurs and the Kampeer en Caravan Industrie (KCI) conclude that caravan and camper ownership among young target groups has risen sharply faster than in other age groups since corona broke out. Between 1 January 2020 and 1 September 2023, the total number of caravans and motorhomes in the Netherlands increased by 7 per cent, but among young people up to 25 years old, ownership rose by a whopping 53 per cent. In the 26- to 35-year-old category by 35.5 per cent. Kampeer & Caravan Jaarbeurs takes place this week from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 October at Royal Jaarbeurs in Utrecht.
Specifically in motorhomes, the differences are even greater. The overall increase since the beginning of 2020 is more than 13 per cent, while the number of owners up to 25 years of age more than doubled (plus 105 per cent). In the 26-35 age group, ownership increased by an equally impressive rate of over 70 in almost four years. KCI president Leo Diepemaat, representing manufacturers and importers, observes a break in the trend: "Caravan and motorhome ownership is often associated with well-off pensionados, but these figures clearly show that young adults and young families have also discovered or rediscovered camping. For them, a caravan or camper van has been an increasingly attractive alternative to air travel and all-inclusive resorts since corona. Go wherever you want, independent of tour operators, corona effects or queues at airports."
Caravans remarkably popular
If anything, the popularity of caravans among the young target group is even more remarkable. Indeed, the total number of caravans in the Netherlands has declined by 1.7 per cent since 1 January 2020, but ownership among young people aged up to 25 years rose by almost 33 per cent. In the group aged 26 to 35, it was more than 21 per cent. There are currently more than 415,000 privately owned caravans in the Netherlands, with more than 20,000 registered owners who are at most 35 years old. Of over 180,000 motorhomes with a natural person as owner, more than 11,500 are owned by this age group.
Doubling motor vehicle tax
Diepemaat: "A new caravan or motorhome usually requires a substantial investment. Fortunately, for this young target group, there is also a lot of choice on the second-hand market. However, this development illustrates once again that the doubling of motor vehicle taxes for camper vans - which the current caretaker cabinet has proposed to implement in 2026 - will not only be paid for by wealthy pensioners. People with a narrower purse will also be affected, even though they only use their camper van for a small part of the year. And then also mainly abroad, where tolls and vignettes are already paid for."
About the Camping & Caravan Jaarbeurs: sustainability first
The Camping & Caravan Jaarbeurs is being organised for the 58th time and opens its doors to the public on Wednesday 4 October at 10:00 am. Until Sunday 8 October, visitors are welcome to visit the Utrecht Jaarbeurs complex, where special attention will be paid to sustainability and innovations.
Sustainability route and Starters square
These include the "Sustainability Route" past suppliers of fully electrically powered motorhomes, accessories made from recycled or biodegradable parts, solar panels and eco-friendly cleaning and maintenance products, among others. Hall 11 is dedicated to "Camping of the Future", e-bikes can be tested on the special bike track and on the outdoor area it is possible to manoeuvre a caravan or motorhome under the guidance of a BOVAG driving instructor. Manufacturers and importers will show all their new models of caravans, motorhomes, folding trailers, (front) tents and other camping products in Jaarbeurs. Novice campers can get plenty of inspiration and knowledge at the Startersplein with suitable vehicles, products, services and with advice from experts.
Sustainable Camping Awards
On Wednesday 4 October, Camping & Caravan Jaarbeurs, in cooperation with the KCI, ANWB, BOVAG and HISWA-RECRON, is organising the Sustainable Camping Industry Congress. At 18:30, chairman of the day Rens de Jong will kick off the programme together with Jacco Vonhof, chairman of MKB Nederland, with contributions from climate journalist and filmmaker Bernice Nootenboom, TU Eindhoven's Solar Team and a panel of politicians and entrepreneurs, among others. The evening will end with the presentation of the Sustainable Camping Awards in three categories: most sustainable camping equipment, camping spot and innovation concept.
